Category Archives: Leaders

Ban on cake-cutting, popping of champagne at Kodava weddings

Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa’s community cites ‘tradition’, triggering charges of pushing Sangh parivar agenda.

Representational Image / File picture

An organisation of Kodavas in a pocket of Karnataka has banned cake-cutting and champagne-popping at the Hindu community’s wedding mandaps in the name of “tradition”, triggering charges of pushing a Sangh parivar agenda.

The Kodava Samaja of Ponnampet taluk (block) in Kodagu district, some 220km from here, issued the diktat on Friday against the “western” practices being increasingly adopted at Kodava weddings.

It clarified that cakes and champagne could be served at wedding feasts but the ceremonial cutting and popping on the mandap had to go.

It also directed grooms against sporting beards and brides from leaving their hair loose.

While most responses from Kodavas on social media have been favourable to the diktats, some have sniffed a saffronisation plot in a district that has become a BJP stronghold.

Chotekmada Rajiv Bopaiah, president of the Ponnampet Kodava Samaja, told The Telegraph on Monday: “We have nothing to do with the Sangh parivar. We are only saying our children should be taught our way of life.”

He added: “This decision is not to insult anyone or any other culture. But cutting cakes and popping champagne on the wedding platform is not our culture. Traditionally, our grooms do not sport beards on wedding day and the brides tie up their hair.

“But there’s a tendency nowadays to borrow practices and rituals from other cultures, which will eventually threaten the existence of our small community.”

A Hindu martial race numbering roughly 1.5 lakh and concentrated in Kodagu district and its neighbourhood, the Kodavas are known for their distinct culture, rooted in nature worship, and generally progressive outlook.

Notable Kodavas from Kodagu include Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, General K.S. Thimayya, hockey internationals such as M.P. Ganesh, B.P. Govinda, M.M. Somaya, A.B. Subbiah and Arjun Halappa, and athlete Ashwini Nachappa.

Bopaiah said the Kodava Samaja in neighbouring Virajpet taluk, too, had on Sunday decided to implement similar restrictions.

Asked about the rest of the 32 Kodava Samajas, he said: “It’s up to them to take their own call.”

P.T. Bopanna, a Kodava author who has researched Kodava culture, said the diktat was a “move to push the Hindutva agenda”.

In an article on CoorgNews.in, which he edits, Bopanna described the restrictions as “not only regressive, but an insult to the Kodava community”.

He recalled a proposal in 2018 to ban women of childbearing age from climbing the Brahmagiri Hill in Kodagu following astrological advice that cautioned against “desecrating” the birthplace of river Cauvery that the Kodavas worship. The Sangh parivar supports a similar restriction in Sabarimala, Kerala.

A Kodava tweeter, K.K. Aiyamma, mocked the “Republic of Ponnampet” for the diktat and underlined that most Kodava Samajas had not adopted it.

“The order is only applicable to Republic of Ponnampet. The Bangalore, Mysore, Madikeri, Delhi, New York or Timbuktu Kodava Samaja have not issued any such diktat,” Aiyamma tweeted.

Chepudira P. Belliappa slammed the “fatwa” in a Facebook post.

“Kodavas take pride in being a forward-looking and progressive community. This ‘fatwa’ against cutting cake and serving champagne at weddings as un-Kodava, is absurd. How one celebrates a happy event should be their choice as long as it does not hurt anyone,” he wrote.

But Tim Kodava made a curt comment: “We are not Christians.”

Others asked whether the community would in that case be ready to shed Western clothing too?

source: http://www.telegraphindia.com / The Telegraph Online / Home> India / by K.M. Rakesh / November 09th, 2021

‘Govt committed to safeguard Kannada language, land’

Minister Kota Srinivas Poojary and others release balloons with the colours of the Kannada flag, during the Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations, at General Thimayya Stadium in Madikeri on Monday. DH Photo

The government is committed to protecting Karnataka, Kannada language, its culture and heritage, said Minister for Social Welfare and Backward Classes Welfare Kota Srinivas Poojary.

He was speaking after unfurling the National Flag during the Karnataka Rajyotsava programme organised by the district administration, at General Thimayya Stadium, on Monday.

“The usage of Kannada language has grown on the internet. Kannada is being widely used in the field of commerce these days,” he said.

He said that the young generation should join hands in the overall development of Karnataka.

“The state has a rich heritage. The history of the Kannada language dates back to 2,000 years. There is a need to protect Kannada identity in the 21st century. Kannada is not a mere language and Karnataka is not a mere land. They are feelings and relationships that Kannadigas own,” he added.

Kota Srinivas Poojary further said that despite the Covid-19 pandemic, the government has been working towards the comprehensive development of the state.

A total of 750 Gram Panchayats have been identified as Amrit Gram Panchayats and will be developed and 12 villages have been selected in Kodagu under the project. The villages are Peraje, Kunjila-Kakkabbe, Maragodu, Kedamulluru, Karmadu, Nalkeri, Titimati, Koodumangalore, Shirangala, Aigur, Haradu and Dundalli, he said.

Measures will be taken to provide drinking water, 100% segregation of solid waste, scientific treatment of wastewater, solar power in households and digital libraries in schools, he added.

The minister also said that the schools will be provided with well-equipped buildings, laboratories and toilets, under Amritha School.

Schools in Hodavada, Sampaje, Kadanga, Madapura, Doddamalte, Kodlipet, Valnur Thyagathur, Hebbale, Suntikoppa, Heggala, Ammatti, Palibetta, T Shettigeri, Titimati, Gonikoppa and Kutta have been selected under the programme, said the minister.

Also, the Amrita Anganwadi Kendra Scheme has been implemented to develop the basic facilities in anganwadi buildings. A grant of Rs 1 lakh will be provided to each anganwadi. It has been decided to upgrade 25 anganwadis in the district, said Kota Srinivas Poojary.

“An amount of Rs 1 lakh will be provided to self-help groups, under Amrita Swasahaya Kiru Udyama Yojane and 60 Stree Shakti self-help groups are selected in the district,” said the minister.

Covid warriors were felicitated on the occasion.

MLC Veena Achaiah, CMC president Anita Poovaiah, Deputy Commissioner Dr B C Sateesha, Superintendent of Police Kshama Mishra and Zilla Panchayat CEO Bhanwar Singh Meena were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / November 01st, 2021

In Tears, Actor Harshika Poonacha Speaks of Times with ‘Appu’ Puneeth Rajkumar

Harshika Poonacha, Kannada film actor, met ‘power star’ Puneeth Rajkumar when she was 16. She recalls Puneeth’s humanity, kindness and more in an exclusive interview with The Quint. On set and off, Puneeth was a superstar who was good to all those whom he came across, Harshika says, recalling specific events in their acting lives together.

Video Producer: Nikhila Henry

Video Editor: Sandeep Suman

Harshika Poonacha, Kannada actor, who has acted with ‘power star’ Puneeth Rajkumar asked, “Who isn’t a fan of Puneeth Rajkumar?’

In an interview with The Quint, the actor narrated the times she spent with Rajkumar. Puneeth Rajkumar was a warm and kind person who was equally good to all around him, on set and off, Poonacha said.

“He was a legendary actor from the Rajkumar family. But he never showed that. He was humble, nice and genuine,” Poonacha told The Quint.

The First Time They Met

Poonacha met Rajkumar when she was a young actor aged 16.

“I acted with him in the early stage of my career. I was already a huge fan of his. I had an amazing experience working with him.”

Harishika Poonacha, Kannada Actor

Rajkumar told her that it was “good that she got into films when young”. “When you are young, you tend to listen to people and learn a lot of things. You will go a long way, he told me,” she said.

Everyday there used to be hundreds of people who come to pose for photographs with Rajkumar. “He used to be so patient with all of them, with the same smile. He told me he did it because he became a star because of the fans,” Poonacha said.

‘I Fell for His Real Personality’

Poonacha narrated a specific instance when Rajkumar was extremely caring. During an action sequence that depicted them being buried alive, Rajkumar told her to hold her breath. “When the shot got over, he first removed mud from my face, even before he wiped his face. I fell for the real person behind the star,” Poonacha said.

“I have learnt a lot from him. The way to love people. And all with that smile which lights up the whole place.”

Harshika Poonacha, Kannada Actor

Rajkumar was kind to children and the elderly. He used to be caring of older, lesser known actors who populate the Kannada film world, she said

‘Kind to New Comers’

Poonacha said that Rajkumar was extremely kind to her when she was an upcoming actor. He was kind to everyone who was trying to make it in the film industry, she recalled.

Poonacha had acted with him in Kannada film Jackie (2010).

“With just one film, he became a part of my life.”

source: http://www.thequint.com / The Quint / Home> Entertainment / by Pratiba Raman / October 31st, 2021

‘Encourage children to read books’

El Rang’, a collection of stories by Uluvangada Kaveri Udaya, was released during a programme at Patrika Bhavana in Madikeri on Tuesday.

‘El Rang’, a collection of stories authored by Uluvangada Kaveri Udaya was released by social worker Pemmadiyanda Venu Appanna and Kannada, Kodava film producer Kottukattira Yashoda Cariappa, during a programme organised by Kodava Makkada Koota, on Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion, Yashoda Cariappa said that children should be encouraged to read books. This will give a boost to literature.

As people are spending time on social media most of the time, the habit of reading is decreasing. Parents should inculcate the habit of reading among their children, she said.

She also lauded the efforts of Kodava Makkada Koota which has published 51 books.

Venu Appanna said that literature needs to thrive in Kodagu. Writers in the district need encouragement.

Kodava Makkada Koota secretary Puttarira Karun Kalaiah said that the Kodava Makkada Koota has been organising various programmes since 2013 and has played a major role in installing the statue of Squadron Leader Ajjamada Devaiah.

Literary works in different languages are being brought out by the Koota, he said.

Presiding over the programme, Kodava Makkada Koota president Bollajira B Ayyappa said that the Koota has published literary works in Kodava, Kannada, English and Hindi languages.

“El Rang’ is the 51st work. Out of the 50 books, five books have been awarded by Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy and movies have been made based on two published works, he added.

Kodava Makkada Koota advisor Kulletira Ajith Nanaiah and writer Uluvangada Kaveri Udaya also spoke on the occasion.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / October 26th, 2021

Police Martyrs’ Day to be observed in Madikeri

The district police will observe Police Martyrs’ Day at the police ground in Madikeri at 8.30 am on October 21. 

Principal District and Sessions Judge Jinaralakar Bheemarao Lagamappa and Superintendent of Police Kshama Mishra will take part. 

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Madikeri / October 20th, 2021

Musings On Annual Report Of An Education Fund

A couple of days back I received the Annual Report of the Coorg Education Fund, Madikeri, Kodagu, like in the past few years. Though I hardly go through it, it is a reminder that I am a Life Member of this Fund.  I don’t even remember when and how I became a Life Member. Let it be.

However, my first connect with this Fund was probably in 1957-58 when I was a student in Madikeri First Grade College, as it was known then. For some reason, may be connected with sports, I was to have a blue-blazer but I did not have the courage to ask my father. A classmate told me that I could approach, with an application, the Coorg Education Fund, the Office of which was in Madikeri itself. Looking back, I guess the  procedure to get the money, a sort of loan, was rather simple. And I got the required Rs. 150 and the blazer which I wore with a sense of pride — walking around like a cockerel! Of course, I forgot about the loan and in time the blazer too. 

Many years passed. I was in Mumbai as a journalist and I received a letter from my father saying the Coorg Education Fund had sent me (or him) a notice claiming refund of the amount. Mercifully, he also mentioned that he had settled that account in full. After all, it was a question of his prestige in the society. He did not, however, forget to write that I had taken that money without his knowledge.

Time passed, nearly 20 years. I returned to Mysuru, the border district of Coorg, as the Publisher and Editor of this newspaper and the sister publication Mysuru Mithra. Simultaneously, I was also writing books in English and Kannada as a pastime. One book was about Coorg and the efforts of Protestant Christians to convert the local Kodavas — a historical fiction titled ‘The Cross and the Coorgs.’

Surprisingly, the Fund decided to honour me for my effort at its Annual Meeting. Aware that I owe no money to the Fund borrowed while a student, I agreed to attend. I don’t know if I donated any a money but surely I must have become a Life Member. Otherwise how would I get the invite for the Annual Meeting.

This year the meeting is on 30.10.2021 and with its President Koothanda P. Uthappa, at the helm, it is going to be a great year of noble service as in the past. By the way Koothanda P. Uthappa has been steering this ship of Fund for the past 21 years with great elan. No wonder the corpus fund for the year 2020 was Rs. 9,05,68,877 as against Rs. 61,13,935 in 2000-2001. A quantum leap indeed and multiple three-cheers to K.P. Uthappa and his team. And the greater glory is that as on 11.9.2021 the corpus is Rs. 11,82,14,382. Should one say more? Funds are in safe hands and as per  Report, appropriated  properly for the noble service of supporting the cause of education among the community.

Another person who was the President of the Fund for the longest period so far was Chendanda P. Appanna (Appi), a big planter whom I had seen and spoken to. He was the President from 1974 to 1997, 23 years. May be, K.P. Uthappa will in the next three years beat the record of Appanna. And we can look forward for a treasury flush with a few more crores.

As I remember, some members of the community had made a request to the Coorg Education Fund to establish a Medical College in Kodagu with its corpus fund of a few crores  as the initial capital etc. But the idea was not accepted by the then President. I guess, in retrospect, it was a good decision by the President and the Fund is pursuing the objective of its Founders most honestly with passion even after 158 years.

The genesis of this Fund was in the Mercara School Endowment Education Fund started in the year 1863. The British were ruling Kodagu at the time after dislodging the King Chikkaveera Rajendra in 1834.

This Fund was created by 11 noblemen of Kodagu, all Kodavas, at a time when concern for Education was not a priority in the country generally. That Fund was rechristened, I imagine, in the year 1916 as Coorg Education Fund and has been rendering its service to the community since then.

I know K.P. Uthappa since over a decade because of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB) which he was heading in Kodagu and I was the Vice-Chairman of BVB Mysuru. I found him to be a good speaker, always touching upon matters spiritual, metaphysical and holy scriptures. No wonder of all the Annual General Body Report I receive, of the few Associations and Organisations I am a member, ONLY the Report of this Fund is different from others. Apart from matters pertaining to the Agenda of the meeting as per the law, the Report has writings relating to ethics, morals and noble acts of service to mankind. Well, if the President is a person of K.P. Uthappa’s thinking about life and service, apparently steeped in spiritual consciousness, I figure, that it is inevitable such writings too must form part of such Annual Reports. And so it is here.

He has given the vision of Coorg Education Fund in the following words:

“The progress of any community in society depends on the education of their children. It is, therefore, our endeavour that all boys and girls should become graduates, doctors, engineers, CAs and excel in other professions.”

“It is such a vision that can serve the society, the community and the country at large.”

It is obvious there is a patriotic, nationalistic fervour in this precept prescribed by the President of the Fund. I think this dose of discourse is needed so that we may not despair despite challenges. Of the moral lessons and some quotable quotes, let me reproduce here one interesting episode connected to Winston Churchill:

Masonic contribution

The poor Scottish farmer’s name was Fleming. One day, while working in the field, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby marshy land (bog). He dropped his tools and ran to the marshy land.

There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could have been slow and terrifying death. The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman’s sparse surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as father of the boy farmer Fleming had saved. “I want to repay you,” said the nobleman. “You saved my son’s life.”

“No, I can’t accept payment for what I did,” the Scottish farmer replied waving off the offer. At that moment, the farmer’s own son came to the door of the family hovel. “Is that your son?” the nobleman asked.

“Yes,” the farmer replied proudly.

“I’ll make you a deal. Let me provide him with the level of education my own son will enjoy. If the lad is anything like his father, he’ll no doubt grow to be a man we both will be proud of.” And that he did.

Farmer Fleming’s son attended the very best schools and in time, graduated from St. Mary’s Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin.

Years afterward, the same nobleman’s son, who was saved from the marshy land, was stricken with pneumonia.

What saved his life this time?

Penicillin.

Who was the nobleman?

Lord Randolp Churchill.

Who was his son?

Sir Winston Churchill.

[Both Winston and Alexander were Freemasons]

‘Let noble thoughts come to us from every side,’  a verse from Rigveda, is the motto of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB). Indeed, K.P. Uthappa is much influenced by the ideals of BVB.

[voice@starofmysore.com] 

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Columns> Abracadabra / by K.B.Ganapathy / October 18th, 2021

Chorus To Accord Third Language Status For ‘Kodava Thakk’ Grows

To help the inclusion of language in Eighth Schedule of Constitution

Mysore/Mysuru:

Stating that the demand for third language status for ‘Kodava Thakk’ (language) is being considered at the Government level, Virajpet MLA K.G. Bopaiah observed that such a status will help include the language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

He was speaking after inaugurating  the seminar on “Inclusion of Kodava Language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution” and a book release programme jointly organised by Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy and Kodava Samaja, Mysuru at Kodava Samaja auditorium in Vijayanagar First Stage here this morning.

Observing that those who left Kodagu district to settle elsewhere must not forget their native land and  mother-tongue, Bopaiah, who is also a former Assembly Speaker, said that natives of Kodagu, especially the youths, should take pride in Kodava language and culture wherever they stay.

Stressing on the need for saving Kodava language and culture for generations to come, the MLA assured that he will extend all support for inclusion of the language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. He also called for a much organised and united effort for pursuing the cause with the Government.

Karnataka Kodava Sahitya Academy Chairperson Dr. Ammatanda Parvathi Appaiah said that Kodava language must be declared as the third language in Karnataka and a resolution must be passed in the Assembly.

Noting that Kodava is a Dravida language having its own culture, identity and history, Parvathi Appaiah regretted that the language has not been included in the Eighth Schedule despite meeting all the requirements. 

“The primary reason for this is the small numerical strength of the community and lack of political power. When former Bengaluru Mayor Prema Cariappa was a Rajya Sabha member, she had taken up the cause. But after her term ended, no one pursued the cause,” she noted.

She said that the Academy has been collecting and collating all available records in support of the demand for inclusion of the language in the Eighth Schedule. Stating that Mangalore University is already offering certificate and diploma courses in Kodava language, she said that the Academy is making efforts to teach Kodava language to PG students.

Ajjinikanda Mahesh Nachaiah, Editor of ‘Poomale’ weekly, who delivered a talk on the seminar topic, said that though Kodava is a language spoken by a small group of people, it has succeeded in retaining its importance and significance, besides its own identity.

Contending that Kodava language has found mention even in mythology, he said that Kodavas are a population which grew and prospered in Cauvery valley civilisation. Asserting that Kodava has its own place in Indian folklore, he opined that the influence of Kodava language began to wane after Kodagu was merged with Karnataka. Noting that there are 22 official languages in the Eighth Schedule, he said that the Government must not delay in the inclusion of the language, considering the fact that the language has its own identity.

Four books that were released are: ‘Meedi Beppo’ by Ithichanda Ramesh Uthappa, ‘Nallame’  authored by Monnanda Shobha Subbaiah, ‘Ponnrantha Thakk’ authored by Chotteyanadamada Lalitha Cariappa and ‘Sampoorna Mahabharata – Chod Chodya’ by Bachamanda Gowramma Madammaiah.

Karnataka Western Ghats Conservation Task Force Chairman Shantheyanda Ravi Kushalappa, Dr. R. Chalpathi of Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Kannada (CESCK), Kodava Samaja Mysuru President Kekada M. Belliappa and others were present.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 20th, 2021

Samaja supports demand for Kodava devpt corporation

Members and office-bearers of UCO and Kodava Samaja conduct a meeting in Kodava Samaja, Ponnampet.

Ponnampet Kodava Samaja will extend its support to the United Codava Organisation (UCO) in the fight towards the formation of Kodava community development corporation, said Kodava Samaja, Ponnampet, president Chottekmada Rajiv Bopaiah.

During a meeting held in Kodava Samaja, Ponnampet, he said that the demand of UCO is timely. The corporation, if established, will help in the strengthening of the Kodava community and claim its rights.

UCO president Kokkalemada Manju Chinnappa said that even though there is an opinion that the Kodava people are financially well off, they are ignored when it comes to social and political representation.

“When a separate development corporation is formed for Vokkaligas who are listed under the 3 A category, why not form a development corporation for Kodavas who are listed under the same category?” he asked.

Kodava Samaja secretary Ponnimada Suresh, treasurer Mookalera Lakshmana, directors Mallamada Prabhu Poonacha, Cheppudira Rakesh Devaiah, Bopanna, Roopa Uttappa, Mandechandra Dinesh Chityappa, Mookalamada Arasu Nanjappa, Addanda Sunil and UCO member Kallichanda Robin Subbaiah were present.

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> State> Mangaluru / by DHNS, Gonikoppa / October 10th, 2021

55 Years After: A Memorial To An Indian Martyr

When I read the poem ‘Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard’ by the English poet Thomas Gray (1751) many years ago, I found many quotable quotes in that rather long poem. But the one that remained in my memory and used it in some of my writings about our heroes and achievers who go unrecognised by the society is this particular quotation. I guess those are the four immortal sentences in that poem because, I know, in this world many achievers, geniuses and those who sacrificed their lives for the cause of humanity — gems of purest ray and flowers of great sweetness — are still remaining unknown and unrecognised. Let me quote those four lines:

Full many a gem of purest ray serene,

The dark unfathomed caves of ocean bear.

Full many a flower is born to blush unseen,

And waste its sweetness on the desert air.

I remembered these verses of Thomas Gray’s poem while reading the report on the unveiling of life-size statue of gallant Fighter Pilot Squadron Leader Ajjamada Bopayya Devayya (A.B. Devayya) in Madikeri, Kodagu, on 7th September 2020. He too would have become a ‘gem of purest ray serene’ buried in the ‘unfathomed caves of ocean’ or would have been a flower born to blush unseen, but for the publication of a book titled “Battle for Pakistan” authored by John Fricker, an English journalist, based on interviews he conducted with Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Pilots.

The then Flight Lieutenant Amjad Hussain of PAF had narrated in that interview about the India-Pakistan War of 1965. He told the journalist that after accomplishing a successful raid over Pakistan’s Sargodha Airfield at the appointed time by IAF Fighter Aircraft, all Subsonic Mystere Aircraft, they were returning to their base in India. But the PAF’s Flight Lieutenant Amjad Hussain, who was piloting a superior aircraft to that of India’s, Supersonic Mach 2, F-104 Starfighter Aircraft, intercepted the Indian aircraft   piloted by Squadron Leader A.B. Devayya.

About this incident, a reader of Star of Mysore, a veteran of IAF and the then President of Air Force Friends Association, Mysore, Mandetira N. Subramani, had written an article in Star of Mysore on 27.10.2000 (20 years back). There, in that article, he says “Neither the PAF pilot’s flying skill nor the F-104 Starfighter’s superior fire-power and speed deterred Squadron Leader A.B. Devayya. With single-minded devotion and rare courage,              he ultimately succeeded in shooting down the PAF plane with the pilot Amjad Hussain safely ejecting.”

All the IAF Fighter Pilots, 6 of them, who were involved in the task of bombing the heavily defended Pakistan Airfield, returned to the Indian base at Adampur. But one pilot was listed as “missing in action.” He was  Squadron Leader Ajjamada Bopayya Devayya. And he, apparently remained a “missing in action” officer all the years till the book titled “Battle for Pakistan” was published many years later and aroused the interest of another Indian IAF Officer Group Captain O.P. Taneja, Vir Chakra (retired).

Subsequently, mercifully, the Air Head Quarters conducted a careful investigation and innumerable interviews with the IAF Pilots who flew with Squadron Leader A.B. Devayya to confirm the veracity of what was written about Devayya in that book. Finally, he was conferred the honour of Maha Vir Chakra (MVC) posthumously. A martyr at last recognised. Thanks to people like the English journalist who wrote that book, to Flight Lieutenant Amjad Hussain of PAF for being so honest about a war situation, to Group Captain O.P. Taneja and nearer home our Veteran Sergeant M.N. Subramani  (a retired Senior Non-Commissioned Officer of IAF), who pursued his efforts to get our people here to recognise and properly reward Sqn. Ldr. Devayya.

I am sure, M.N. Subramani must be among the most happy persons to see that statue unveiled on 7th September 2020, 55 years after the War Hero A.B. Devayya was martyred on 7th September 1965. And not to forget, it was M.N. Subramani, presently the President of VeKare Ex-Servicemen Trust (VKET), who was instrumental in naming our city’s Sainik Aram Ghar as Squadron Leader A.B. Devayya Bhavan, despite protests from a section of the people.

I remembered all these events after reading the statue unveiling report. We are fortunate that Sqn. Ldr. A.B. Devayya did not remain a “missing pilot” forever and an Air Force Officer with fame “unknown.” Let us remember the famous epitaph in the  Kohima War Cemetery:

“When you go home 

Tell them of us and say

For your tomorrow 

We gave our today.”

Sqn. Ldr. A.B. Devayya was just 33. He gave his ‘today’ for our ‘tomorrow’. 

Jai Hind

e-mail: voice@starofmysore.com

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> Columns> Abracadabra / by K.B. Ganapathy / September 11th, 2021

C.M. Poonacha Elevated To Be HC Judge

New Delhi:

The Supreme Court Collegium has approved the proposal for elevation of four advocates as Judges in the Karnataka High Court (HC). The Centre is expected to approve this and issue a notification.

The four names approved are — Cheppudira Monnappa Poonacha, Anant Ramanath Hegde, Siddaiah Rachaiah and Kannankuzhyil Sreedharan Hemalekha.

The Collegium headed by Chief Justice N.V. Ramana took the decision in its meeting held on Oct. 7 and the resolution was uploaded on the Apex Court website yesterday.

Advocate Cheppudira Monnappa Poonacha has more than 20 years of practice experience, having commenced his career in law in the chambers of senior advocate S.K.V. Chalapathy, and thereafter under his father late C.M. Monnappa who was also a noted advocate.

In 2001, Poonacha, along with Kiran V. Ron and R. Sukruta, established Lexplexus, a law firm in Bengaluru with a primary objective of providing diverse legal solutions to clients that include individuals, organisations of various types and large corporations. The team has trained many budding advocates.

Today, the firm, with a team of committed professionals, services a range of business and personal needs, addresses a range of diverse issues: litigation, cyber law, corporate law, contracts and intellectual property, cross border disputes, property and their allied areas.

Poonacha is known as Nayan in family circles and hails from Nokya Siddapura near Thithimathi in Kodagu. He has been serving as Additional Government Advocate in the High Court since August last year and has been commended both by the Government and the Court for his professional approach in issues of national importance. His mother Shaila hails from Kandrathanda family. Poonacha is married to Kanjithanda Savitha, daughter of Dr. Kanjithanda Chinnappa and Sharada couple. Savitha too practices as an advocate. The couple has a son and daughter Somaiah and Hitha.

source: http://www.starofmysore.com / Star of Mysore / Home> News / October 09th, 2021